Mily Balakirev (1837-1910)-the leader of the group of Russian composers known as "the Mighty Handful"-was influenced by folksong from the start of his career. His expansive Grand Fantasia on Russian Folksongs for piano and orchestra is one of his very first compositions, written when he was seventeen. The 30 Folksongs of the Russian People for piano duet, folksong arrangements from the other end of his career, show his deep understanding of the sources.